This is another artistic centre that opened recently, this time housed in a former 19th century music hall that later became an indoor roller coaster attraction (yeah, really). The temporary exhibitions can be hit or miss, but I like hanging out in the free, open-to-all library on the first floor where you can sit in the futurist media pods and flip through the latest arts, culture, music, design and architecture magazines. Their shelves are also filled with a growing endowment of books which seem to be acquired according to the theme of the aforementioned exhibitions. Internet access is available on a dozen or so PCs (or via WiFi on your own machine) and for gamers, there are a few consoles connected to largish plasma screens. The café upstairs, with its classic baroque meets retro-futurist interior, is a sight to behold.

Messy, busy, mangled, cheap, friendly and relaxed bar in Belleville. Unchanged for years, just layered with tags, stickers, laquered beer spillage and cigarette ash; but bright and light at the same time.

Nameless pink shop run by a talkative redheaded Piaf who handpicks and sells allsorts of things from the 1950s - 70s - furniture, clothes, sunglasses, lamps. Unpretentious and priced correctly.

The gallery and bookshop never disappoint a curious mind, but the café is worth the trip alone.

A wonderful and spacious bookshop in Le Marais. I love to spend hours looking at beautiful books.